Director Of Veterinary Services

Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is committed to saving wildlife in wild places. Determined to inspire people to act on behalf of wildlife, we’ve eliminated single-use plastic water bottles, straws and bags from our shops and restaurant. We work with local conservation partners to monitor swallow-tailed and snail kite populations and perform coral conservation surveys in Florida. We assist with conservation programs in Africa, Asia and Central America. At Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society, we embed diversity, inclusion, equity, and equality in everything we do. By joining our team, you’ll become a crucial part of saving wildlife in a conservation organization at a thrilling time as we expand our team to build the Zoo of the future.

How you will impact our wildlife-saving mission

The Director of Veterinary Services and Wellbeing is a critical member of Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society’s leadership team. This position will work closely with the General Curator to maintain a model for the highest animal care and wellbeing standard with the expectation of continuous improvement in strengthening the Zoo’s wildlife conservation mission. All aspects of veterinary medicine and animal wellbeing programming must be practiced to the highest professional standards in collaboration and communication with all zoological staff. Participation in, and support of, the Animal Behavior Training, Conservation and Wellbeing programs of Palm Beach Zoo &Conservation Society is mandated. This position oversees the veterinary and nutrition teams and reports to the Chief Animal & Conservation Officer.

Essential Position Functions

• Oversees veterinary and nutrition team. Duties include mentorship, training and development, and performance management
• Collaborates with local and global conservation programs and other professional organizations
• Participates in habitat design, collection planning, acquisition, and transfer of zoo animals, establishing and communicating care parameters for newly acquired species
• Manages a comprehensive veterinary care program that meets or exceeds AZA, AAZV and USDA standards and guidelines while also maintaining medical records and other record management
• Provides comprehensive medical and surgical care to all animals in our care, including disease prevention and investigation (nutrition, pathology, aspects of management, etc.)

• Creates and participates in scientific research and conservation projects to improve the scientific understanding, human care, and conservation of wildlife

• Fosters and inspires open communication and a positive, supportive working environment
• Oversees all regulatory, management, facility, budgetary, and other aspects of veterinary care
• Supports and participates in PBZ’s Animal Behavior and Wellness program
• Participates in the education and management of invasive species on zoo grounds along with other conservation programs

Education Requirements and Technical Skills

• Strong leadership skills with previous experience managing/mentoring staff, volunteers and/or interns
• Maintains active involvement in AAZV and other professional associations
• Minimum of 10 years of experience as a licensed veterinarian along with experience managing a medical staff
• Veterinary medical license in the state of Florida or obtain within 6 months of employment
• Minimum 3 years of experience at an AZA-accredited facility
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Outlook, Excel) and experience with ZIMS
• Ability to work early morning/late evening hours, weekends and holidays, as required.
• Minimum 5 years of zoological and aquatic medicine experience
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited School of Veterinary Medicine

Skills and Competencies

• Integrity/Trust — Maintains social, ethical, and organizational values and norms; builds trust and confidence with the staff and with internal and external customers; respects the confidentiality of personal and proprietary information.
• Planning and organizing —Sets priorities among competing requirements and allocates resources in the most efficient and effective way; develops contingency plans that anticipate changes in the work environment.
• Communication (oral and written) — Effectively expresses ideas verbally and non-verbally and actively listens to individuals and groups in a professional manner; prepares and focuses presentations to the characteristics and needs of the audience; strong writing and editing skills for a variety of audiences.
• Diversity and Inclusion – Demonstrates behaviors that include fairness, respect, inclusiveness, empathy, integrity, and ethical conduct. Fosters a climate and culture in which each person is accepted and has the opportunity to grow and develop. Practices behaviors that promote diversity and inclusion in dealings with and on behalf of the Zoo, consistent with laws, regulations, and Zoo policies.
• Professional/Technical Knowledge and Competency — Keeps informed of animal health and veterinary best practices and provides updated information to Chief Animal & Conservation Officer, veterinary staff, and zoologists.

The position will be open until filled. We will contact qualified candidates whom we have chosen to move forward in the interview process.

In addition to working for a mission driven wildlife conservation organization, we offer:

• A competitive salary, commensurate with your skills and experience
• An EXCELLENT benefits package (current year/plan), which includes:
  • 100% paid employee level coverage for designated medical & dental plan
  • 100% paid coverage for 100K of life insurance
  • 100% paid short-term disability
  • 100% paid long-term disability
• 100% paid coverage for 100K of life insurance
• 100% paid long-term disability
• 100% paid employee level coverage for designated medical & dental plan
• 100% paid short-term disability

• Generous paid time off policy, Zoo Membership and FREE admission to other Florida Attractions!
• 401K – Employer contributes 3% of your salary
• Optional vision, accident and critical illness coverages available through pre-tax payroll deductions

Palm Beach Zoo is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions, including those related to recruitment, hiring, training and promotion without regard to race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Inclusion Diversity Equity and Access (IDEA) Commitment

Our Mission is to inspire people to act on behalf of wildlife and the natural world. We recognize that the only way to accomplish our mission is to include all people across all races, ethnicities, genders, ages, religions, mental/physical abilities, and sexual orientations. Just as we value biodiversity, we recognize and appreciate the value of human diversity as being integral to our ability to connect with our visitors and the communities we serve.